There are some really great cars on the market. Some have even notoriously made it to 400,000 miles. However, not every car out there is built to last. If you are trying to invest in a reliable vehicle, it is crucial to avoid certain models. That said, here are seven cars that aren’t likely to last you more than 100,000 miles.
7. Ford Focus
There are some models of the Ford Focus that are great and others that miss the mark. For many owners, recalls on the transmission before 40,000 miles and other key components have decreased their confidence in the carmaker. Electrical problems are also increasingly common in the Focus, which makes car buyers wary as well. The overall reliability of the car is questionable. So, proceed at your own risk.
6. Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa is a hit-or-miss where reliability is concerned. Unfortunately, for some owners, the transmission has kicked the bucket before the car reaches 100,000 miles. The suspension and brakes are also common problems with the Versa. In the end, many of the components of this Nissan wind up wearing out prematurely. While you might be tempted by its low price tag, it’s not likely that the car will last you.
5. Chevrolet Spark
Chevrolet is known for producing some reliable vehicles, but most of them are trucks. When it comes to the Spark, there are some serious issues. It is Chevy’s cheapest car, but that low price comes with a lot of heartache. People who have owned this car have said that there are engine and transmission issues when the speedometer reaches 60,000 miles. Overall, the small engine in the car struggles to keep up, leading to frequent trips to the shop. Not to mention, the interior of the vehicle shows wear and tear quicker than you’d expect to. For long-term durability, you may want to consider other options in the subcompact market.
4. Mini Cooper
Mini Coopers are known for being small, fun cars, but they aren’t necessarily known for their reliability. Owners have often reported issues with the engine and transmission well before the car hits the 100,000-mile mark. Even though it is small and ideal for many people who drive in the city, it will likely breakdown and isn’t reliable as a long-term daily driver.
3. Jeep Renegade
Jeep has a reputation for building tough off-road vehicles that are often reliable. However, the Renegade struggles to live up to the brand’s reputation. Folks who bought this car have reported engine and transmission problems around 70,000 miles. Many of the reports also include oil consumption problems and electrical issues as well. While the Renegade is marketed as an adventurous compact SUV, it fails to provide the durability needed for long-term ownership.
2. Dodge Journey
Unfortunately, the Dodge Journey is also on the list of cars that won’t likely last. It is often criticized for its poor build quality and many owners have reported problems with the car’s engine long before they hit 100,000 miles. Common complaints include the powertrain, transmission, and suspension system. Although it’s an affordable midsize SUV, it has proven itself to be wildly unreliable. You’re likely better off skipping the Journey if durability is your top priority.
1. Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 is a cute and stylish vehicle, but it isn’t built for the long haul. Owners have frequently reported mechanical problems, such as transmission issues and electrical malfunction, as early as 50,000 miles. While the initial price might be affordable, the maintenance costs will stack up fast. While the car is great for city driving, long-term ownership becomes expensive and stressful. Ultimately, if you want a car that will last, the Fiat 500 might not be the best choice.
Choose Reliability Over Flash
When it comes to buying a car that is going to last, you should take consumer reports into consideration. This can give you a good idea of how reliable the vehicle is and whether or not it will take you 100,000 miles and beyond. Some of these issues mentioned in this article can be serious and costly. So, you might want to reconsider your purchase if you’re thinking about buying any of these cars.